React.js

React is an open-source tool for front-end web development.
Facebook & Instagram use it so why shouldn’t we.

What is React.js?

React or React.js is an open-source JavaScript library which is used for building user
interfaces specifically for single page applications. To put it simpler it’s used in front-end
web development meaning that it handles the view layer for web and mobile apps. React.js
also allows us to create reusable UI (user interface) components. React was first created by
Jordan Walke, a software engineer working for Facebook. React first deployed on
Facebook’s newsfeed in 2011 and on Instagram.com in 2012.

React allows developers to create large web applications which can change data, without
reloading the page. The main purpose of React is to be fast, scalable, and simple. It works
only on user interfaces in application. This corresponds to view in the MVC template. It can
be used with a combination of other JavaScript libraries or frameworks, such as Angular JS
in MVC.

Main reasons for using React.js for web development

Simplicity – the component-based approach, well-defined lifecycle, and use of plain
JavaScript make React very simple to learn, build a professional web (and mobile
applications), and support it. React uses a special syntax called JSX which allows you
to mix HTML with JavaScript.

Reusable Components – React provides developers with a component-based
structure that they can start building on piece by piece. Just like a Lego. Each piece
decides how it should be rendered and each component has its own internal logic. As
a result, you get the following: app has a consistent look and feel; code re-use makes
it easier to maintain and grow your codebase; it’s easier to develop your application.

Performance – updating DOM (document object model) is usually the bottleneck
when it comes to the web performance. React is trying to solve this problem by using
something called virtual DOM; a DOM kept in the memory.

Testability – react.js applications are super easy to test. React views can be treated as
functions of the state, so we can manipulate with state we pass to the React view and
take a look at the output and triggered actions, events, functions, etc.

Why does Thorgate use React.js for web development?

Thorgate focuses on digital product creation and specializes in web development. Because of
that reason we use the powerful tools available by React.js for web development.

Who else uses React.js for their web development?

Some of the most well know websites that use React.js for building their UI (user interface):
Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, New York Times, Airbnb, Netflix etc.